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UBRARY OF CONGRESS 






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To the Freemen of the Counties of Johnston, Wayne, 
Greene, Lenoir, Jones, Craven and Carteret — compo- 
sing the Fourth Congressional District of North- 
Carolina. /) 

Fellow-Citizens : 

Many of you have learnt, with deep regret, that our late 
distinguished representative, the Hon. John H. Bryan, has declined a 
re-election to the next Congress. During Mr. Bryan's term of service, 
appropriations have been made by the General Government for deep- 
ening the swash at Ocracoke, and a survey has been made between the 
waters of Neuse River and the harbour at Beaufort, for a ship canal. In 
order to push forward these important works to their completion, I have 
taken the liberty of placing my name before you as a Candidate to repre- 
sent you in the 21st Congress. In the Northern States, the candidates 
for Congress are sometimes nominated by delegates from the different 
Counties, or by caucuses of the friends of different parties and candidates. 
These practices do not prevail in the Southern States, either for members 
of the Legislature or Congress. I will not, on this occasion, stop to dis- 
cuss the question, which is the most proper mode of proceeding? but go 
on to place before you my views of national policy, so far as the consti- 
tuent may wish to know the general views of his representative. 

It has been the practice in the Southern States, for the candidates 
for Congress to travel through the several Counties, at the Battalion Mus- 
ters, and make stump-speeches. I do not admire this practice. It con- 
sumes the time, and deranges the business of the candidates. 

I shall submit this Circular to my Fellow-Citizens, instead of a dozen 
stump-speeches, which I might deliver, at as many different muster- 
grounds. I must mention another custom in our Southern States, which 









1 Strongly disapprove, that of the candidates treating the people with ar- 
dent spirits at musters and other public places, before, and also at the 
election grounds. I can assure you 1 have no intention of overflowing 
the district with Rum and Whiskey. To obtain a seat in Congress by 
such means, is alike disreputable to the people and their representative. 
It will afford me great pleasure to be the agent of my fellow-citizens, in 
acts calculated to improve their moral and pecuniary condition — but I 
must be elected by the unbought suffrages of freemen, or I shall think it 
more honourable to stay at home and attend to my own business. The 
citizens of this Republic have recently declared, in a voice loud as the 
thunders of Mount Sinai, that they cannot endure even the suspicion ol' 
•'Bribery, Intrigue and Corruption," in the election of their jniblic ofli- 
cers. I therefore call upon all the moral, sedate and reflecting part of 
this community, to sustain me in another effort to do away tlie odious and 
demoralizing practice of treating at elections. .-' 

In our Republican form of Government, the people arc the fountaiJi 
of power — all offices are trusts created for their benefit, and not to gratif) \, 
the cupidity or ambition of any individual. A jjrimary maxim of this 
form of government is, that the majority must rule. The present Ad- 
ministration having come into power with an overwhelming majority of 
the people in its favour, it is just and proper that your representative 
should give to the Administration of (Jeneral Jackson an honest and ener- 
getic support in all measures calculated to promote the happiness, prospe- 
rity and glory of our beloved country. 

1 am of opinion that when a representative knows the v/ill of a ma- 
jority of his constituents, that he is bound to carry their v.-ill into effect, 
although his own opinion may be different. The representative goes to 
do what the people in their sovereign capacity cannot conveniently do : 
and in measures which they deem of great importance to their welfare, he 
should obey their will — not his own. Many ^cases of minor importance 
will daily occur in Congress, in which it would be ijnpossible for your re- 
presentative to know the opinions of a majority of the people — in all such 
cases, he will necessarily act according to the dictates of his own judg- 
ment. In such cases, the people should judge of their representative with 
that charity and forbearance, which one gentleman is ever ready to extend 
to another, who happens to differ with him in opinion. 

I beg leave to observe, that in what I am now about to discuss, I have 
no intention to stir the expiring embers of party strife — but merely to 
recommend an alteration of our admirable Constitution, which I think 
will tend to stiengthen and perpetuate the Union of the States. Let the 
Constitution be amended so that the President shall be elected for the 
term of six years, and be forever after ineligible. Let the people vote 



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directly for the man of their choice, without the intervention of Electors. 
Let the polls be kept and returned as for members of Congress, and dupli- 
cates forwarded by our Executive to Congress. 

When no one candidate has a majority of the whole number of 
votes, let the two highest on the list be referred back again to the people 
for their decision. In case of a tie, which could rarely happen, refer 
back the election to the people, as last mentioned. This amendment 
would take from the President all temptation to use the power and patro- 
nage of his office, with a view to secure his re-election. The term is 
lonjjr enougii to test the utility of any new system of policy he might be 
called upon to pursue. The power of impeachment would be a check — 
and some safeguard against any flagrant violations of the Constitution. 
This amendment would prevent altogether the election ever going to the 
House of Representatives. However pure and honourable may be a Pre- 
sidential Election in the House of Representatives, the unsuccessful party 
will be dissatisfied, and surmise that they were defeated by intrigue and 
corruption. Such suspicions would tend to weaken the love and reve- 
rence of the people for our admirable system of government — sow the 
seeds of violent discord at home, and lower us in the estimation of foreign 
nations. 

The last Tariff Law ought to be modified — it was passed during a 
period of great political excitement, when passion had seized the reins 
from reason. At the next session of Congress, which I hope will meet 
with the most temperate and kindly feelings — and with a determination to 
do the business of their constituents without dela}', let this law be care- 
lully revised. The duties on such articles as enter into the general con- 
sumption of the poorer classes of the community, and which cannot be 
produced advantageously in the United States, should be greatly reduced. 
The duties on teas and coffee should be very low. A more general use 
of these articles would tend to diminish the use of ardent spirits. A strong 
dish of tea or cofTee, produces moie permanent excitement of the ner- 
vous system than ardent spirits, and far less injury to the constitution and 
morals. I would add the article of sugar — but I am sincerely of opinion 
that the present duty of three cents pei; pound, will so far protect and en- 
cotirage its culture in Geoigia, Florida, and Louisiana, as to enable you 
to purchase it for five or six cents per pound, and by drawing ofi' an im- 
mense number of labourers from the cultivation of cotton and corn, will 
frreaily enhance the price of those staple articles of our North-Carolina 
farmers. Salt is a necessary of life which every one consumes. l{ it 
shall be proved on an examination of facts, that salt is higher now to the 
poor consumers of the article, than it was before the present duty was 
laid, then let the duty be lowered. In the last war it rose to ten dollars 



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per bushel, by the interruption of our foreign trade — and the domestic ma- 
nufacture was not sufficient to supply the wants of the people. It will be 
worthy the consideration of Congress, whether this real necessary of life 
should not be manufactured at home, so as to insure a competent supply 
in time of war. The duty on molasses is too high — I apprehend that it 
injures our West India trade, which is the principal foreign trade of this 
State. You will perceive that I am in favour of a " Judicious Tariff" — 
that is, a Tariff which will promote the prosperity of Agriculture, Manu- 
factures and Commerce. I would not knowingly vote for an^ law which 
I judged would destroy the farmers, for I consider them as the foundation 
of the whole structure of society, and the safe depository of our dearest 
rights and liberties. 

I shall conclude my address to you, with some remarks on the most 
important subject which can arrest your attention. It is calculated, by an 
able and scientific Engineer, that the losses sustained on our commerce, 
which passes over Ocracoke bar, amounts to at least five hundred thousand 
dollars per annum. This enormous annual tax is deducted from the pro- 
duce of our farmers. The swash prevents the merchant from sending his 
vessel to sea, only by great exertion, lighterage, and detention. In no 
business whatsoever is Dr. Franklin's maxim more emphatically true, that 
" Time is money." — The lighterage, delay in getting down to Ocracoke, 
from the interior towns, the delay in getting on board the lighter loads, by 
heavy winds, &c. and the extra insurance, consume the profits of the mer- 
chant. He is compelled to give low prices to the farmers, who thus ulti- 
mately suffer to nearly the whole amount of these enormous losses. To 
overcome these difficulties, is worthy of a mighty effort. — By the aid of the 
General Government, this effort is now about to be made under the direc- 
tion of scientific Engineers — let us hope that it will be completely suc- 
«:essful. 

In examining the map of our seaboard, we perceive that there are 
only three main outlets to the ocean, for all the produce of North Caro- 
lina, which is exported by our own merchants. These are the bars at 
Smithville, Beaufort, and Ocracoke. 

By the first, a large quantity of produce raised in the vicinity of 
Cape Fear River and its tributary streams, finds its way to the ocean. 
The navigation of the Cape Fear is obstructed below Wilmington, by 
shoals, which have been partially removed. The late Congress have 
appropriated 20,000 dollars to aid the State in removing these shoals. 
The losses produced to the commerce of Wilmington by these obstruc- 
tions are estimated, by some, at 500,000 dollars per annum — they ought 
certainly to be removed, and I hope Congress will appropriate 100,000 
dollars more, for that purpose, if it is found necessary. Beaufort has the 



best bar, and most capacious harbour of any town on the seaboard of this 
State. There is more than 20 feet water on this bar, and a harbour, where 
more than a thousand vessels may ride in perfect safety during the most 
violent gales. It appears to me that a powerful effort should be made by 
the State of North Carolina, to make this a great exporting town. This 
town is very healthy ; vessels would not here lose their crews in the fall 
season by sickness. A narrow peninsula of low ground separates the 
deep water in Neuse River from the harbour of Beaufort. A canal 
about 10 miles in length would be required. I should recommend a 
canal 80 feet wide at the water surface — depth of water 10 feet — a regu- 
lating lock at each end, about 30 feet clear width, and the sides and bot- 
tom of the canal to be perfectly secured against slips, washing of the 
sides, and all other accidents that canals are subject to in a sandy, and 
alluvial soil. There ought to be a tow path on each side. A canal of 
such magnitude and importance should be finished in such a perfect man- 
ner as to endure without much repairs to the end of time. Such a canal 
would afford a free passage to schooners drawing nine feet water, and 
steam boats of the largest class. A survey has been made of a conside- 
rable part of this peninsula, by Maj. Hartman Bache, one of the most 
industrious and accurate of the Topographical Engineers — assisted by 
Lieuts. Boyce and Wragg — gentlemen of high standing in their profes- 
sion. The survey of other proposed routes through this peninsula, could 
be completed in a few days, as there is no material difference in the 
levels at different parts of the land. Maj. Bache surveyed the proposed 
routes from North River to Adams' Creek on Neuse — also a route from 
Core Creek to Adams' Creek — and, I think, took the soundings in Har- 
low's and Clubfoot's Creeks, which are now united by a small canal. I 
would beg leave to advise, that our Governor, who is President of the 
Board of Internal Improvement, should write to the Secretary at War im- 
mediately, and request him to instruct the able and scientific Engineer at 
Fort Macon, to make a Report, as soon as practicable, on a ship canal 
between the waters oi Neuse River and the harbour at Beaufort. In lay- 
ing down the route for this canal, private, and local interests should be 
entirely disregarded. It should be made at such place as will enable it 
to give the greatest facilities as a main outlet for the produce of this sec- 
lion of our state. 

Maj. Bache's Report may be expected in a few days — and other 
proposed routes not surveyed by him, might soon be examined. The 
public, and our Legislature, would then be in possession of all the facts 
necessary to form a correct judgment as to the best route for this canal. 
A company can be incorporated at the next session of our Legislature — 
individuals will take part of the stock — the State should take part — and 



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the United States would undoubtedly take a considerable amount; so tha^ 
this important work might be commenced in the spring of 1830. This 
canal has been reported as necessary in time of war, by the United Stales 
Military Engineers, in order to complete the great line of internal com-' 
munications along our sea-coast, for the transportation of munitions of 
war, and re-inforcements to any part of the seaboard, which might be 
invaded. In time of war the Harbour at Beaufort can be more easily 
entered by our privateers, lettres of marque, and merchant vessels, than 
any one on our Southern coast. This harbour lies in a large bay, pro- 
tected by two of the most dangerous Capes in the world — Cape Fear on 
the one hand, and Cape Look Out on the other. No blockading squad- 
ron will venture to lie before this port. From this place, merchadizo 
could be transported in schooners drawing 9 feet water, through the ship 
canal to Elizabeth City, then by the Dismal Sv/amp Canal to Norfolk, 
and all our Northern cities. All the Northern and Eastern States which 
own vessels trading to North Carolina, are interested in the completion 
of this work. In the stormy months, or fall season, all the vessels which 
now pass into the interior of the State by Ocracoke bar, would come into 
the port of Beaufort, and pass through this canal — here they would be 
perfectly' safe. Most of the vessels from Newborn, bound to the West 
Indies, would pass through this canal, and over the bar at Beaufort. The 
distance from Newbern to Ocracoke bar is about 90 miles — to Beaufort 
bar is only 45 miles. At this time many vessels from the West Indies 
fall to the southward of Ocracoke bar, and make a harbour at Beaufort. 
If this ship canal was effected, they could proceed directly up to Newbern 
without delay. Now they attempt to go through Core Sound, where there 
is only 5 or 6 feet water, and sometimes lie on the shoals 3 or 4 weeks. 
A great number of coasting vessels from the North Counties bound to 
Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah, would pass through this canal, by 
which they would shorten their voyage, and shun the dangers of Cape 
Look Out. A vast amount of ton timber would be brought through this 
canal, for steam mills, which would be erected in the vicinity of Beaufort. 
The completion of this canal would lead to other internal improvements 
in our State, which would add an incalculable amount to our resources 
and wealth. From every view of the case, it is evident that a small toll 
levied on vessels and produce passing through this canal, would pay a 
handsome dividend to the stockholders, and be more profitable and safer 
than Bank Slock. 

In our State, our internal improvements were commenced at the 
heads of our rivers, and the money expended in these places is entirely 
lost to the State. It would appear most reasonable, in my opinion, to 
commence our improvements at our inlets, on the seaboard, and ascend to 



ihe sources of our rivers. After effecting a ship canal, or indeed while 
this was going on, I «vould recommend an improvement of the intercourse 
between Newborn and Raleigh. Three modes of improvement are pre- 
sented to our view — I shall briefly notice them. The first is by a tim- 
ber rail road, shod with bars of iron. I think this kind of railroad is 
mut'h the cheapest, strongest, and best adapted to our State, where timber 
is plenty and cheap. A rail road of this kind is now constructing be- 
tween Charleston, South Carolina, and Columbia, in that Stale. The dis- 
tance is one hundred and twenty miles, and the transportation of a bale of 
cotton this distance, will cost only twenty-five cents. Such a road from 
Newborn to Raleigh would double the value of every acre of land for 
20 miles on each side of the road between these towns. All the money 
saved by this low price for transportation, would go into the pockets of 
aur farmers — and stimulate them to raise many articles for market, which 
ihey now cannot sell on account of the expenses of transportation. By a 
recent improvement in rail road wagons, one horse is enabled to draw 30 
ions of produce, on a good rail road. The cost of a rail road would be 
about one-third of the cost of a canal per mile — and subject to fewer 
accidents, and interruptions. The next most obvious mode of improvement 
u'ould be to clear out Neuse River from Newborn to Cobb's mills, near 
Raleigh, for steam, and tow boat navigation. I should think it would be 
practicable by stone dams, across the river, and locks to pass the dams, 
to make four or five feet water from Newbern to Cobb's mills. This 
would be sufii:ient for powerful steam boats, which with properly con- 
structed tow boats would bring down all the produce of our farmers, 
md carry up such merchandise as they needed. The third mode of 
improvement would be to make a canal of the size and depth of water 
oi^ the Erie Canal. The Neuse River, and Creeks emptying into it 
v>-ould then be used as feeders for the canal. In order to determine 
accurately which of these three modes of improvement is best, I would 
advise that our Board of Internal Improvement make application to the 
United States Government for two of the graduates at the Military Aca- 
demy, West Point — and one experienced Topographical Engineer, to 
run a correct line of levels from Newbern to Raleigh, and make out cor- 
rect estimates of those three different modes of improvement. 

Some of our leading men in this State, are violently opposed to asking 
any money of the United States for internal improvements — alledging 
that it is unconstitutional. These opinions are extremely unfortunate — 
and disastrous to the prosperity of this State. When we know that an 
overwhelming majority of Congress have decided that appropriations for 
roads and canals are constitutional, and they are annually appropriating 
millions for improvements in other States, it appears impolitic and unwise 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



8 




in North Carolinians to refuse their due proportion of the public funds. No 
State in the Union stands so much in need of improvement, in her com- 
mercial facilities, as North-Carolina — and I have observed in the mem- 
bers of Congress from other States, a generous disposition to do every 
thing in their power to remove the difficulties in our navigation, under 
which we have suffered such enormous losses. Shall we churlishly reject 
the proffered aid — sit down in despair, and daily see our enterprising citi- 
zens leaving their homes, with their labourers and capital, and burying 
themselves in the Western forests'? Shall North-Carolina, one of the 
old thirteen States, be depopulated, while our politicians are mooting con- 
stitutional points? I have never yet found any article in the Constitution 
prohibiting Congress from making appropriations for canals and roads. 
If we have a Constitution which prohibits Congress from passing such 
laws as are necessary to promote the happiness and prosperity of the peo- 
ple, let it be amended. But after such laws have been passed for half a 
century under this Constitution, and our country has prospered beyond 
all others in the world, I am induced to believe, that the less frequently 
our Constitution is amended, the more permanent will be the Union of the 
States, and the more rapid our march to a state of prosperity and power, 
which will render this Republic the envy and admiration of the world. 

I am, respectfully. 

Your friend and fellow-citizen. 



Beaufort, April 5th, 1829. 



JA3IES MANNEY. 



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SPECTATOR OFFICE, NEWBERK. 



